The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sounding the alarm on tianeptine, a synthetic drug commonly known as “gas station heroin.” While some countries approve tianeptine as a prescription drug for depression, it poses serious health risks resembling those of opioids like fentanyl. Despite FDA warnings, this drug continues to be promoted and sold as
Health
Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially as we age. Older adults are often encouraged to find a fitness routine that suits their needs and preferences. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore suggests that exercising as a couple may have a negative impact
The administration of growth hormone extracted from deceased individuals to treat short stature in children was discontinued due to the emergence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. However, recent research suggests that these injections may have also contributed to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This article examines the implications of person-to-person transmission of Alzheimer’s and the potential risks
The human brain is a complex organ that plays a vital role in our daily lives. It is the body’s control center and is responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and actions. To protect this precious organ from pathogens and toxins, the brain and spinal cord are shielded by a barrier known as the blood-brain barrier.
Cancer, a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Researchers have long been studying the protein MYC, which plays a crucial role in both healthy cell activity and cancer development. MYC, when functioning normally, helps regulate cell growth and division. However, in cancer
In a remarkable medical breakthrough, history was made in 2022 when surgeons performed the world’s first partial heart transplant in a baby. The recipient, Owen Monroe, who was just 18 days old at the time, underwent a groundbreaking procedure where heart valves and vessels taken from a donor infant were stitched into his heart. This
Ageing is an inevitable part of life, and humans have always been fascinated with the quest for longevity. The desire to remain youthful drives a multi-billion pound industry that offers anti-ageing products, supplements, and diets for those hoping to extend their lifespan. While advancements in medicine and improvements in living conditions have allowed us to
The correlation between pet ownership and mental health benefits has been well-documented. However, a recent study of nearly 8,000 people in the UK delves deeper into the potential impact of owning a pet on cognitive decline in older adults living alone. The findings of this study shed light on the protective and beneficial effects that
One thing that all runners have in common is their obsession with time. Whether they are amateur or professional, runners are constantly striving to improve their pace and get faster. However, there is a growing trend in the running community known as “slow running.” This movement suggests that anyone can run, regardless of their ability
Researchers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the development of lupus in children. By identifying a single genetic mutation in the UNC93B1 gene, they have shed light on a new mechanism that triggers this autoimmune disease. Lupus is a lifelong condition characterized by chronic inflammation caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues. With
Overconsumption of calories is associated with a condition that impacts millions of people, one that despite research showing strong links to environment, neurology, and genetics, is still notoriously attributed to a lack of self-control. If you guessed obesity, you’re not wrong, but there is another answer: alcohol use disorder, a condition that affects an estimated
Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. While there is still much to learn about depression, a new study has shed light on
Aging is an inevitable part of the human journey, and with it often comes the unwanted accumulation of body fat. While society primarily focuses on the aesthetics of being overweight, doctors delve deeper to understand the health implications of the byproducts of fat in our bodies. Fatty acids, the molecular building blocks of fats, are
Victorians have been facing an alarming increase in cases of Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial infection. In 2021 alone, 363 people were diagnosed with this condition, marking the highest number of cases since 2004. The severity of the disease has prompted scientists to delve deeper into understanding its transmission. In a groundbreaking new study, researchers
Early gestation, a critical period in human development, continues to hold many mysteries for scientists. In an effort to shed light on this crucial phase, a team of researchers led by clinician-scientist Eduardo Maury from Harvard Medical School embarked on a groundbreaking study. By analyzing genetic data from thousands of individuals, they discovered two genetic